Red Roses Return to Their Roots to Inspire the Next Generation
After securing their sixth consecutive Guinness Women’s Six Nations victory, the Red Roses are reconnecting with their beginnings by visiting their first community rugby club this month. This initiative aims to give back to the fans and clubs that have supported them throughout their triumphant Grand Slam campaign.
Players will visit various clubs that played a significant role in shaping them into the athletes they are today. During these visits, the Red Roses will lead training drills, host interactive Q&A sessions, and participate in autograph signings and photo opportunities.
Currently ranked as the number one team in the world, England is gearing up for an exciting period in women’s rugby, with the country set to host the Rugby World Cup next year. The recent Guinness Women’s Six Nations attracted unprecedented attention, with three of the Red Roses’ matches drawing over a million broadcast viewers and the final game against France peaking at 1.9 million. This surge in interest contributed to a 30% year-over-year increase in viewership for all Red Roses fixtures compared to the 2023 tournament. Additionally, nearly 70,000 fans attended the home games at Ashton Gate and Twickenham.
By visiting community clubs, the Red Roses aim to acknowledge the vital role played by grassroots organizations and their dedicated supporters during the Six Nations campaign. These visits are also intended to inspire more girls and women to take up rugby, helping to grow the sport in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup 2025 and beyond.
Women’s rugby in England is thriving, from the grassroots level to the elite. The Red Roses’ success has coincided with a rise in female participation, now exceeding 40,000. With the goal of reaching 100,000 registered female players by 2027, the upcoming Rugby World Cup serves as a catalyst for further growth.
Alex Teasdale, Executive Director of Women’s Rugby at England Rugby, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The Red Roses are incredibly grateful for the support they have received from grassroots rugby clubs throughout their careers. These visits are a wonderful opportunity for them to give back to the community that has nurtured their talent and passion for the game. We hope that by reconnecting with grassroots clubs, the Red Roses can inspire the next generation of young players and leave a lasting legacy for women’s rugby in England.”
Red Roses captain Marlie Packer added, “The support we received throughout the Six Nations was amazing, and we want to repay the rugby community by visiting clubs and meeting all their members. We are all so excited to return to our roots and give back to the clubs that laid the foundations for our careers. Rugby has given us so much, and we can’t wait to see more girls giving it a go as we build towards next year’s Rugby World Cup.”
